The pea family is quite large with 150 species and a number of cultivars. The most numerous of these cultivars are of L. odoratus, the sweet pea. This is one of the most loved of all flowers, with its dainty petals and beautiful fragrance. Unfortunately not all cultivars are fragrant, so it is important to check them carefully. They are annuals and come in a wide range of colours from white and cream to blue, purple, pink and red. They are climbers and need to be trained up a sticks netting or a trellis of some sort. Many of the peas are climbers but not all; L vernus being one of the main exceptions and a low clump-forming plant that flowers in spring. None of the other ornamental garden peas are fragrant and do not have the colour range of sweet peas. However many do have the advantage of being perennials and so reappear every year. They grow well in most soils and do need some supports. Many are happy to scramble up through shrubs. They are all easily propagated from seed, which should be soaked for a few hours in warm water before sowing.

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